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In talk with Erdogan, Obama reaffirms US commitment to fight against IS

WASHINGTON, June 29 (KUNA) -- President Barack Obama spoke by phone on Wednesday with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and reaffirmed the US commitment to partner with allies in the fight against the so-called Islamic State.
In a joint appearance with Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto after their meeting at the White House, Obama said he wanted to extend his "deepest condolences to the people of Turkey for the terrible attack that took place in Istanbul." "I had a chance to speak to President Erdogan earlier today to discuss with him not only how heartbroken we have been by the images of the injured and those killed, but also to reaffirm our strong commitment to partner with Turkey, with NATO, with the broad-based alliance that we have structured around the world" to fight IS, Obama said.
At least 41 people died and 239 were injured when three attackers armed with firearms and explosives arrived at the Istanbul Ataturk Airport in a taxi Tuesday night, then opened fire before blowing themselves up, according to Turkish authorities.
While no group has claimed responsibility for the attack, Turkish officials seem to be leaning toward blaming IS. Obama said the IS will be defeated in Syria and Iraq.
"We stand with the people of Turkey, and we intend to do what's necessary to make sure that these kinds of terrible events are not happening," he said. (end) rm.ibi